Copyright © 2020 Albuquerque Journal
SANTA FE – The Archdiocese of Santa Fe is halting in-person Sunday Mass after this weekend, citing New Mexico’s spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.
Archbishop John C. Wester said the Catholic Church will cease its regular Mass schedules, starting Monday, though churches may remain open for individual devotion if attendees wear masks and practice social distancing.
The new directive, Wester said, is in keeping with “our faith’s concern for the protection of human life.”
Masses already scheduled for this weekend will proceed, but the church will halt in-person Mass after that.
“Combined with the perennial influenza season, which is fast approaching, and persons being in closer quarters during the winter,” he said in a written statement, “this portends a ‘perfect storm’ to form an extremely hazardous situation.”
Normally scheduled Masses may be streamed online, but “the dispensation to NOT attend Sunday Mass continues until further notice. Please ensure the elderly are especially aware of this.”
Catholic schools may remain open, he said, based on the judgment of the pastor, superintendent and principals.
